Some very warm humid weather last weekend was followed by some much dryer and cooler weather mid week, has made for generally good to excellent conditions for outdoor recreation, but very warm temperatures are again in the forecast for the upcoming weekend. Most of the state was relatively dry over the past week, with the exception of some heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in the central part of the state early this week.
With the warm weather recreational boating activity continues to increase. Most rivers are running at or slightly above seasonal norms, with rivers in the central and northeast running a bit higher. The Wisconsin River is running about average for mid summer, and plenty of sandbars continue to be available on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.
The Mississippi River is also returning to normal levels and anglers reported walleyes biting. Last week’s very warm temperatures sent some shallower lake water temperatures up into the low 80s for the first time this summer. The quick rise spurred on bass activity in lakes but moved northern pike out into deeper cooler water. Largemouth have become less related to weeds and lily pads, with many moving to more firm overhead cover such as wood, brush piles and bog edges. Smallmouth are also becoming more wood oriented. Walleye success has been sporadic, but musky action improved with musky moving out of shallow weed edges and now suspending off break lines in 8 to 14 feet of water. Swim baits and large crank baits are showing increased success.
On Green Bay, there were reports of good numbers of walleye being caught in 8 to 14 feet of water from Pensaukee to Oconto and off Suamico on the west shore, while action along the east shore slowed. Along Door County, perch fishing has slowed with anglers stating to catch more gobies and rock bass. Smallmouth action was also a bit slower, with most action coming in shallow water around weed beds.
On Lake Michigan, warm water temperatures early in the week ranged from 61 to 63 degrees offshore, but by Sunday dropped anywhere from 56 to 59 degrees. Success out off Manitowoc and Two Rivers was hit-and-miss this week, with fish scattered and anglers trying their luck in various depths. The bag was mostly chinook in the 13 to 20 pound range. The Two Rivers Kiwanis Fish Derby will be held this weekend. In the southeast, trollers out of Sheboygan and Port Washington report the surface bite slowed, and more fish were caught 40 to 50 feet down, with coho and chinook making up the majority of the catch. Fishing off Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha remains good, with coho still active, but also scattered and found in a variety of depths from 50 feet out to 180 feet of water.
Cedar waxwings, pewees, flycatchers, nighthawks, bats, and whip-poor-wills have been very active lately, feeding heavily on flying insects. Common loons had poor nesting success early due to black flies but re-nest attempts are now hatching with a number of broods being reported this week. Over the next week many species of birds will get harder to see as they molt in preparation for migration, and bird feeders will be less active as there are now lots of natural food sources.
Milkweed is blooming and monarch butterflies are finally laying eggs. Other butterflies, many dragonflies and fireflies have also been out in large numbers, but they have unfortunately been joined by large numbers of horse and deer flies.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statewide Birding Report
Many chicks are fledging of all kinds right now. Common loons had poor nesting success early due to black flies but re-nest attempts are now hatching with a number of broods being reported this week. This week a number of late mallard nests were hatching with small chicks in tow. A first state-record Neotropic cormorant is lingering at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center. Check with center staff for updates. “Fall" migration is underway with adult shorebirds now starting to appear on mudflats as they head to wintering locations in the southern US, central and south America. This is a good time of year to check for rare birds along Lake Michigan. This past weekend an immature little gull was found in Sheboygan. Over the next week many species of birds will get harder to see as they molt in preparation for migration. Bird feeders will probably be less busy as there are lots of natural food sources sustaining birds this time of year.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN REGION
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The warm and pleasant weather of the past week has made for an increase in both fishing activity and recreational boating traffic. Water temperatures have really shot up on most lakes and many lakes had surface temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. This quick spike in temperature did spur on bass activity and anglers have started to see better action. The largemouth have started to become less related to the weeds and lily pads and many moved to more 'firm' overhead cover such as wood, brush piles and bog edges. Smallmouth bass are also becoming more wood oriented and look for this to increase as the water further warms this summer. Plastics worked slowly around this cover have produced the best success for bass in the past few days. Walleye success has been sporadic, with some fair catches being made at various times throughout the day. During the warm summer period, walleye can be very unpredictable and the mid-day period can produce some very good catches at times. The key bait at this time of year seems to be leeches, either on a slip bobber or small weedless jig, and fished near deep weed lines and mid-break lines. Musky action has also improved with the warmer weather and anglers have found that quite a few musky have pulled out from the shallower weed edges and are now suspended off the break lines in 8 to 14 feet of water. While some top-water baits have still been producing, swim baits and large crank baits have shown quite a bit of success. Some decent catches have been made, with most fish in the mid 30-inch range and a few up to 44 inches being reported. The warming water temperatures have also slowed up northern pike action a bit as the bigger fish seem to have pulled back to deeper and cooler water. Fair numbers of pike were still being found along and in the weed edges, but the fish have mostly been in the 16 to 24-inch size. Panfish success continues to be good and both crappie and bluegill have been found on deep weed edges or suspended near any mid-depth cover. Some bigger bluegill were still being caught in shallower water and some even have been noted to still have eggs. It appears that with the delayed spring warm-up of the water, some of our panfish and bass may have foregone their spawning period this year. While not a common occurrence, this does happen in 'cold years' when conditions are just not right for a successful spawn. The fish that don't spawn just re-absorb their eggs and utilize the energy for growth and next years spawning period. All outdoor recreationalists are reminded that the biting-insect season is in full swing and be prepared to deal with lots of mosquitoes in the evening hours. There are also good numbers of deer flies, horse flies, no-see-ums and 'ankle-biters' that can be real nuisance during the daytime hours.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
With the hot and humid weather there has been an upsurge of pleasure boaters, jet skiers, rafters and swimmers. Temperatures at the landings are in the 80s with more hot and humid weather to come.
Marinette County - Shore anglers at the mouth of the Peshtigo River report good catches of catfish, sheepshead, walleye and smallmouth bass while fishing with crawlers with a 3 way swivel setup, or casting small spoons and stick baits. Anglers at the dam in Peshtigo were also catching their share of panfish and smallmouth bass using slip bobbers with worms or drifting crawlers. Klingsborn Landing to the mouth of the Peshtigo has been producing walleye, northern, smallmouth, and sheepshead. Anglers were drifting and jigging with lead heads tipped with crawlers.
Oconto County - Stiles dam anglers are enjoying a mixed bag of fish with bluegill topping the list. Slip bobbers and garden tackle work well and is a great sport for children and adults alike. Smallmouth bass were also on the list of catchable fish, using small spoons, stick baits, and drifting crawlers in the current seams. Good news for the walleye anglers on the Bay, reports of good numbers of fish being caught in 8 to 14 feet of water from Pensaukee to Oconto Park II. Trolling with crawler/harness and also drift casting has been working well.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers fishing for walleye at Bayshore Park found action had slowed some over the last week. Most have been trolling a harness in purple, green or orange. Anglers have been fishing anywhere from 10 to approximately 20 feet of water to produce the best action. Anglers fishing walleye were also catching lots of drum and an occasional bonus perch or catfish as well. Perch anglers are finding some perch in 20-25 feet of water. Most of the action has been in early mornings. Walleye fishing has been good over the last few days at Suamico, with anglers trolling a harness and crank baits.
Manitowoc County - Muggy weather and plenty of sun with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s created perfect fishing conditions for anglers this week. Southwest winds dominated most of the week at 10-15 mph, occasionally switching out of the southeast. Morning fishing conditions on the water consisted of waves less than 1 foot, with the stronger southerly winds creating 2-3 foot waves later in the day. Water clarity was very good this week, thanks to only a few light scattered rain showers. Warm water temperatures early in the week ranged from 61-63 degrees offshore, but by Sunday dropped anywhere from 56-59 degrees. Pier head water temperatures dropped to 52-53 degrees. Angler success out on Lake Michigan out of both ports continues to be hit-and-miss this week. An occasional boat will end their trip with seven to 10 fish, consisting mostly of kings and a few rainbows. The majority of the boats came in with zero to two fish, usually a few nice kings above 12 pounds. Most trollers were working in 120-180 feet of water mostly north and south of the trap nets, but by Sunday more boats had luck in shallow between 60-80 feet of water out of both Two Rivers and Manitowoc. The fish appear to be scattered, with anglers trying their luck in several different depths. For rainbows, use 2 or 5 color lead core with yellow or orange spoons. For chinook, run your riggers 70-110 down using a variety of dodger/fly combinations including green/green, pearl/mirage, and blue/blue. Most of the chinook ranged in the 13-20 pound range. Pier fishing remains slow for trout and salmon off both Two Rivers and Manitowoc. A few trout were picked up off of the Manitowoc piers early this week, but with no consistent action. With the recent water temperature changes, fishing can only pick up. Good Luck to those taking part in the Two Rivers Kiwanis Fish Derby.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Fishing has been slow for most anglers over the last week out of Sturgeon Bay. Anglers targeting perch have been fishing 8 to 10 feet of water. They were finding a few perch but overall the hunt is slow. Perch anglers have been catching a few rock bass and gobies as well. Minnows have been producing the best action. Bass fishing has been spotty but with little fishing pressure it is hard to tell. The most successful have been targeting bass with stick baits. Anglers at Little Sturgeon Bay have been fishing walleyes early or late in the day. Most anglers were reporting a tough bite. The final catch is made up of predominately drum. Perch fishing has been slow with most action coming in shallow water around weed beds. Slip bobbers and a minnow or small peace of night crawler have been the best bait. Bass fishing has been steady with anglers finding good amounts of fish on rock humps. The Chaudoirs Dock ramp is currently under construction. The ramp should reopen in about 30 days.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - All horse, hiking, and bike trails are open. Insect activity is quite high, especially mosquitoes and horse flies. Long shirt sleeves, pants, and a hat are recommended. Accessible fishing piers can be found at Long Lake and Mauthe Lake recreation areas. Fishing poles and tackle are available at these locations, as well as the Ice Age Visitor Center. Visitors must supply their own licenses and bait. On Saturday, July 17 there will be a Celebrating 75 Years of the Kettle Moraine event at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. Learn how various groups have partnered with forest staff to protect the natural and glacial resources, as well as provide a wide array of recreational opportunities. Light refreshments and birthday cake will be served. This program is most appropriate for those over 10 years old.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been concentrating in 90 to 120 feet of water, and most have been averaging about 4 fish per trip. The bait of choice has remained dodgers and flies, although spoons have worked for some. The best colors are still blue, green, sliver, and orange. The surface bite has slowed, and more fish were caught 40 to 50 feet down. Coho, chinook, and rainbow trout have made up the majority of the catch. Fishing on the Sheboygan piers has been slow. Most anglers have been casting spoons or setting alewives off the bottom with little success. As for perch, most anglers have been jigging minnows off the bottom with no luck.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have been having most success in 90 to 150 feet of water. Dodgers and flies continue to produce, although locating fish has been very hard for anglers. The main catch remains coho and chinook. Fishing has picked up for those on the Port Washington pier. Occasional coho have been caught on spoons or alewives fished off the bottom. Perch anglers on the pier have taken some limits, and both minnows and worms have produced. In the Port harbor, fishing pressure has been light, and only a few perch and small browns and rainbows have been caught.
Milwaukee County - The fishing off Milwaukee remains good for boat anglers. Coho are still active, but they are scattered and can be found in a variety of depths from 50 feet of water out to 180 feet of water. Flashers and flies in blue or green continue to produce good numbers of coho. A few chinook were also showing up in the creel but with no frequency or pattern. Boaters fishing for perch off the South Metro boils have been catching a few, and South Shore ramp has had some perch action on the rocks and the center break wall north of the landing, and minnows have been the best perch bait. A few perch have also been taken off the end of McKinley pier, but shore fishing remains slow elsewhere in the Milwaukee area.
Racine County - Coho action remains steady off of Racine, and most trollers have been doing well around 60 to 100 feet of water. A few chinook and lake trout have been taken as well, but coho still outnumber other species. Dodger and fly combinations as well as white spoons have taken fish. Racine shore anglers have been taking a few perch off the south pier and from other shoreline areas.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers continue to catch decent numbers of coho along with some chinook. The most popular bait continues to be orange or red flashers coupled with flies in blues, greens and reds, although spoons have also produced. Most fish have been taken around 100 feet of water. Perch fishing on the Kenosha shore and piers has been slow, but few boat anglers have been getting their limit of 5 fish just off of the rock breakwall. Plastics and minnows have been the best baits.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - We are finally in the midst of summer weather. Boaters are enjoying the clear skis and warm waters of Beaver Dam Lake. They are for the most part, obeying the new slow-no-wake areas and are pleased the algae bloom is behind schedule. This past weekend boaters enjoyed the annual Lake Days fireworks. Strong winds during the middle of the day on Saturday kept most boats off of the center portion of the lake where the waves were the largest. Anglers are enjoying the perch bite. Most are fishing early morning and late evenings. In general anglers are moving around to locate the fish. Everyone has some success, but a few boat find the bigger schools and take home a bag limit or close to depending on how picky they are. Anglers report catching catfish and bullheads as well. Hellgrammites appear to be the bait the best bait of choice.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - Area fishing activity has slowed a little. Anglers were still catching walleyes on Lake Wisconsin. Anglers and boaters are reminded to follow the boating laws. As summer boating traffic continues it is important to be a defensive driver on the water.
Dane County - Fishing on Madison Lakes has been fair. Most panfish are running small by the Triangle and Monona shore fishing spots. Try going to edge of weeds from boats in deeper water.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Cedar waxwings, pewees, flycatchers, nighthawks, bats, and whip-poor-wills have been very active lately, feeding heavily on flying insects. The hot, muggy weather has led to many other animals remaining inactive during the hot times of the day. Therefore, many animals are not readily observed during daylight hours. Exceptions might be animals that have been driven into open, windy areas to escape from pesky insects such as gnats, flies, and mosquitoes.
Merrick State Park - All trails are open and in good condition. The island campground remains closed and will be evaluated weekly. There are some sites in the south that also remain closed. The Mississippi River is returning to normal levels. The boat dock has been installed. There is no designated swimming area at the park. Anglers were reporting walleyes biting this past weekend. Some success was had with pan fish too. The following flowers have been seen around the park: sage, goats beard, puccoon, bouncing bet, spiderwort, purple cone flower, Canada anemone, cinquefoil, daisy flee bane, tick-trefoil, fringed loosestrife, day lily, milkweed, sorrel, moneywort and brown eyed susans. Turtles can be found throughout the park laying their eggs. Please travel the roads with care to avoid hitting them. The holes you see with white shells around them were former turtle nests that have been dug up by predators.
Perrot State Park - Hiking trails are open and in good condition. The Trempealeau River is finally back to more typical levels and fishing continues to be slow. Paddling around the bay is an absolute treat as boats are escorted by kingfishers and watched over by bald eagles. Pelicans soar overhead in lazy circles as turtles and baby leopard frogs bask on shorelines and overhanging trees. Along the canoe trail, buttonbush is in full bloom, along with arrowhead, Joe-pye weed and common milkweed. Prairies are spectacular, with butterflyweed, coneflowers, blazing star, milkweeds, wild bergamot and more blooming. Forest are filled with a colorful variety of fungus, tick-trefoil and Indian pipe. Gnat numbers are finally starting to decrease, but campers are still encouraged to bring along their vanilla. Mosquitoes are rapidly taking their place. Bird sightings around the park include: eagles, vultures, and pelicans soaring overhead while the call of towhees fills the forests. Baby kingbirds flit clumsily in open areas.
Great River State Trail - The trails are in good condition and the bridges have been repaired. Monarda and milkweeds fill the air with heavenly scents as monarch butterflies finally lay eggs. Hot days are forgotten as the canopy of the trail shades riders.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – Canada geese goslings are quite numerous this year and are growing quickly. The adults are molting. The whitetail fawns are making an appearance, and the first batch of young gray and red squirrels are out on their own. The fireflies, mayflies, and monarch butterflies have arrived. Many varieties of dragonflies have shown up in great abundance. Birds we have been seeing or hearing include: bald eagles, kingfishers, scarlet tanagers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, red polls, robins, mallard and bufflehead ducks, mourning doves, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, barred and great horned owls. Miterwort, spring beauty, dog violet, marsh marigolds, wild columbine, hepaticas, bellwort, and the false rue anemones are in bloom.
Chippewa River State Trail – Black-capped raspberries are ripe in places along the trail in Eau Claire. More are ripening.
With the warm weather recreational boating activity continues to increase. Most rivers are running at or slightly above seasonal norms, with rivers in the central and northeast running a bit higher. The Wisconsin River is running about average for mid summer, and plenty of sandbars continue to be available on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway.
The Mississippi River is also returning to normal levels and anglers reported walleyes biting. Last week’s very warm temperatures sent some shallower lake water temperatures up into the low 80s for the first time this summer. The quick rise spurred on bass activity in lakes but moved northern pike out into deeper cooler water. Largemouth have become less related to weeds and lily pads, with many moving to more firm overhead cover such as wood, brush piles and bog edges. Smallmouth are also becoming more wood oriented. Walleye success has been sporadic, but musky action improved with musky moving out of shallow weed edges and now suspending off break lines in 8 to 14 feet of water. Swim baits and large crank baits are showing increased success.
On Green Bay, there were reports of good numbers of walleye being caught in 8 to 14 feet of water from Pensaukee to Oconto and off Suamico on the west shore, while action along the east shore slowed. Along Door County, perch fishing has slowed with anglers stating to catch more gobies and rock bass. Smallmouth action was also a bit slower, with most action coming in shallow water around weed beds.
On Lake Michigan, warm water temperatures early in the week ranged from 61 to 63 degrees offshore, but by Sunday dropped anywhere from 56 to 59 degrees. Success out off Manitowoc and Two Rivers was hit-and-miss this week, with fish scattered and anglers trying their luck in various depths. The bag was mostly chinook in the 13 to 20 pound range. The Two Rivers Kiwanis Fish Derby will be held this weekend. In the southeast, trollers out of Sheboygan and Port Washington report the surface bite slowed, and more fish were caught 40 to 50 feet down, with coho and chinook making up the majority of the catch. Fishing off Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha remains good, with coho still active, but also scattered and found in a variety of depths from 50 feet out to 180 feet of water.
Cedar waxwings, pewees, flycatchers, nighthawks, bats, and whip-poor-wills have been very active lately, feeding heavily on flying insects. Common loons had poor nesting success early due to black flies but re-nest attempts are now hatching with a number of broods being reported this week. Over the next week many species of birds will get harder to see as they molt in preparation for migration, and bird feeders will be less active as there are now lots of natural food sources.
Milkweed is blooming and monarch butterflies are finally laying eggs. Other butterflies, many dragonflies and fireflies have also been out in large numbers, but they have unfortunately been joined by large numbers of horse and deer flies.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statewide Birding Report
Many chicks are fledging of all kinds right now. Common loons had poor nesting success early due to black flies but re-nest attempts are now hatching with a number of broods being reported this week. This week a number of late mallard nests were hatching with small chicks in tow. A first state-record Neotropic cormorant is lingering at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center. Check with center staff for updates. “Fall" migration is underway with adult shorebirds now starting to appear on mudflats as they head to wintering locations in the southern US, central and south America. This is a good time of year to check for rare birds along Lake Michigan. This past weekend an immature little gull was found in Sheboygan. Over the next week many species of birds will get harder to see as they molt in preparation for migration. Bird feeders will probably be less busy as there are lots of natural food sources sustaining birds this time of year.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN REGION
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The warm and pleasant weather of the past week has made for an increase in both fishing activity and recreational boating traffic. Water temperatures have really shot up on most lakes and many lakes had surface temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. This quick spike in temperature did spur on bass activity and anglers have started to see better action. The largemouth have started to become less related to the weeds and lily pads and many moved to more 'firm' overhead cover such as wood, brush piles and bog edges. Smallmouth bass are also becoming more wood oriented and look for this to increase as the water further warms this summer. Plastics worked slowly around this cover have produced the best success for bass in the past few days. Walleye success has been sporadic, with some fair catches being made at various times throughout the day. During the warm summer period, walleye can be very unpredictable and the mid-day period can produce some very good catches at times. The key bait at this time of year seems to be leeches, either on a slip bobber or small weedless jig, and fished near deep weed lines and mid-break lines. Musky action has also improved with the warmer weather and anglers have found that quite a few musky have pulled out from the shallower weed edges and are now suspended off the break lines in 8 to 14 feet of water. While some top-water baits have still been producing, swim baits and large crank baits have shown quite a bit of success. Some decent catches have been made, with most fish in the mid 30-inch range and a few up to 44 inches being reported. The warming water temperatures have also slowed up northern pike action a bit as the bigger fish seem to have pulled back to deeper and cooler water. Fair numbers of pike were still being found along and in the weed edges, but the fish have mostly been in the 16 to 24-inch size. Panfish success continues to be good and both crappie and bluegill have been found on deep weed edges or suspended near any mid-depth cover. Some bigger bluegill were still being caught in shallower water and some even have been noted to still have eggs. It appears that with the delayed spring warm-up of the water, some of our panfish and bass may have foregone their spawning period this year. While not a common occurrence, this does happen in 'cold years' when conditions are just not right for a successful spawn. The fish that don't spawn just re-absorb their eggs and utilize the energy for growth and next years spawning period. All outdoor recreationalists are reminded that the biting-insect season is in full swing and be prepared to deal with lots of mosquitoes in the evening hours. There are also good numbers of deer flies, horse flies, no-see-ums and 'ankle-biters' that can be real nuisance during the daytime hours.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
With the hot and humid weather there has been an upsurge of pleasure boaters, jet skiers, rafters and swimmers. Temperatures at the landings are in the 80s with more hot and humid weather to come.
Marinette County - Shore anglers at the mouth of the Peshtigo River report good catches of catfish, sheepshead, walleye and smallmouth bass while fishing with crawlers with a 3 way swivel setup, or casting small spoons and stick baits. Anglers at the dam in Peshtigo were also catching their share of panfish and smallmouth bass using slip bobbers with worms or drifting crawlers. Klingsborn Landing to the mouth of the Peshtigo has been producing walleye, northern, smallmouth, and sheepshead. Anglers were drifting and jigging with lead heads tipped with crawlers.
Oconto County - Stiles dam anglers are enjoying a mixed bag of fish with bluegill topping the list. Slip bobbers and garden tackle work well and is a great sport for children and adults alike. Smallmouth bass were also on the list of catchable fish, using small spoons, stick baits, and drifting crawlers in the current seams. Good news for the walleye anglers on the Bay, reports of good numbers of fish being caught in 8 to 14 feet of water from Pensaukee to Oconto Park II. Trolling with crawler/harness and also drift casting has been working well.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers fishing for walleye at Bayshore Park found action had slowed some over the last week. Most have been trolling a harness in purple, green or orange. Anglers have been fishing anywhere from 10 to approximately 20 feet of water to produce the best action. Anglers fishing walleye were also catching lots of drum and an occasional bonus perch or catfish as well. Perch anglers are finding some perch in 20-25 feet of water. Most of the action has been in early mornings. Walleye fishing has been good over the last few days at Suamico, with anglers trolling a harness and crank baits.
Manitowoc County - Muggy weather and plenty of sun with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s created perfect fishing conditions for anglers this week. Southwest winds dominated most of the week at 10-15 mph, occasionally switching out of the southeast. Morning fishing conditions on the water consisted of waves less than 1 foot, with the stronger southerly winds creating 2-3 foot waves later in the day. Water clarity was very good this week, thanks to only a few light scattered rain showers. Warm water temperatures early in the week ranged from 61-63 degrees offshore, but by Sunday dropped anywhere from 56-59 degrees. Pier head water temperatures dropped to 52-53 degrees. Angler success out on Lake Michigan out of both ports continues to be hit-and-miss this week. An occasional boat will end their trip with seven to 10 fish, consisting mostly of kings and a few rainbows. The majority of the boats came in with zero to two fish, usually a few nice kings above 12 pounds. Most trollers were working in 120-180 feet of water mostly north and south of the trap nets, but by Sunday more boats had luck in shallow between 60-80 feet of water out of both Two Rivers and Manitowoc. The fish appear to be scattered, with anglers trying their luck in several different depths. For rainbows, use 2 or 5 color lead core with yellow or orange spoons. For chinook, run your riggers 70-110 down using a variety of dodger/fly combinations including green/green, pearl/mirage, and blue/blue. Most of the chinook ranged in the 13-20 pound range. Pier fishing remains slow for trout and salmon off both Two Rivers and Manitowoc. A few trout were picked up off of the Manitowoc piers early this week, but with no consistent action. With the recent water temperature changes, fishing can only pick up. Good Luck to those taking part in the Two Rivers Kiwanis Fish Derby.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Fishing has been slow for most anglers over the last week out of Sturgeon Bay. Anglers targeting perch have been fishing 8 to 10 feet of water. They were finding a few perch but overall the hunt is slow. Perch anglers have been catching a few rock bass and gobies as well. Minnows have been producing the best action. Bass fishing has been spotty but with little fishing pressure it is hard to tell. The most successful have been targeting bass with stick baits. Anglers at Little Sturgeon Bay have been fishing walleyes early or late in the day. Most anglers were reporting a tough bite. The final catch is made up of predominately drum. Perch fishing has been slow with most action coming in shallow water around weed beds. Slip bobbers and a minnow or small peace of night crawler have been the best bait. Bass fishing has been steady with anglers finding good amounts of fish on rock humps. The Chaudoirs Dock ramp is currently under construction. The ramp should reopen in about 30 days.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - All horse, hiking, and bike trails are open. Insect activity is quite high, especially mosquitoes and horse flies. Long shirt sleeves, pants, and a hat are recommended. Accessible fishing piers can be found at Long Lake and Mauthe Lake recreation areas. Fishing poles and tackle are available at these locations, as well as the Ice Age Visitor Center. Visitors must supply their own licenses and bait. On Saturday, July 17 there will be a Celebrating 75 Years of the Kettle Moraine event at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. Learn how various groups have partnered with forest staff to protect the natural and glacial resources, as well as provide a wide array of recreational opportunities. Light refreshments and birthday cake will be served. This program is most appropriate for those over 10 years old.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been concentrating in 90 to 120 feet of water, and most have been averaging about 4 fish per trip. The bait of choice has remained dodgers and flies, although spoons have worked for some. The best colors are still blue, green, sliver, and orange. The surface bite has slowed, and more fish were caught 40 to 50 feet down. Coho, chinook, and rainbow trout have made up the majority of the catch. Fishing on the Sheboygan piers has been slow. Most anglers have been casting spoons or setting alewives off the bottom with little success. As for perch, most anglers have been jigging minnows off the bottom with no luck.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have been having most success in 90 to 150 feet of water. Dodgers and flies continue to produce, although locating fish has been very hard for anglers. The main catch remains coho and chinook. Fishing has picked up for those on the Port Washington pier. Occasional coho have been caught on spoons or alewives fished off the bottom. Perch anglers on the pier have taken some limits, and both minnows and worms have produced. In the Port harbor, fishing pressure has been light, and only a few perch and small browns and rainbows have been caught.
Milwaukee County - The fishing off Milwaukee remains good for boat anglers. Coho are still active, but they are scattered and can be found in a variety of depths from 50 feet of water out to 180 feet of water. Flashers and flies in blue or green continue to produce good numbers of coho. A few chinook were also showing up in the creel but with no frequency or pattern. Boaters fishing for perch off the South Metro boils have been catching a few, and South Shore ramp has had some perch action on the rocks and the center break wall north of the landing, and minnows have been the best perch bait. A few perch have also been taken off the end of McKinley pier, but shore fishing remains slow elsewhere in the Milwaukee area.
Racine County - Coho action remains steady off of Racine, and most trollers have been doing well around 60 to 100 feet of water. A few chinook and lake trout have been taken as well, but coho still outnumber other species. Dodger and fly combinations as well as white spoons have taken fish. Racine shore anglers have been taking a few perch off the south pier and from other shoreline areas.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers continue to catch decent numbers of coho along with some chinook. The most popular bait continues to be orange or red flashers coupled with flies in blues, greens and reds, although spoons have also produced. Most fish have been taken around 100 feet of water. Perch fishing on the Kenosha shore and piers has been slow, but few boat anglers have been getting their limit of 5 fish just off of the rock breakwall. Plastics and minnows have been the best baits.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - We are finally in the midst of summer weather. Boaters are enjoying the clear skis and warm waters of Beaver Dam Lake. They are for the most part, obeying the new slow-no-wake areas and are pleased the algae bloom is behind schedule. This past weekend boaters enjoyed the annual Lake Days fireworks. Strong winds during the middle of the day on Saturday kept most boats off of the center portion of the lake where the waves were the largest. Anglers are enjoying the perch bite. Most are fishing early morning and late evenings. In general anglers are moving around to locate the fish. Everyone has some success, but a few boat find the bigger schools and take home a bag limit or close to depending on how picky they are. Anglers report catching catfish and bullheads as well. Hellgrammites appear to be the bait the best bait of choice.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County - Area fishing activity has slowed a little. Anglers were still catching walleyes on Lake Wisconsin. Anglers and boaters are reminded to follow the boating laws. As summer boating traffic continues it is important to be a defensive driver on the water.
Dane County - Fishing on Madison Lakes has been fair. Most panfish are running small by the Triangle and Monona shore fishing spots. Try going to edge of weeds from boats in deeper water.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Cedar waxwings, pewees, flycatchers, nighthawks, bats, and whip-poor-wills have been very active lately, feeding heavily on flying insects. The hot, muggy weather has led to many other animals remaining inactive during the hot times of the day. Therefore, many animals are not readily observed during daylight hours. Exceptions might be animals that have been driven into open, windy areas to escape from pesky insects such as gnats, flies, and mosquitoes.
Merrick State Park - All trails are open and in good condition. The island campground remains closed and will be evaluated weekly. There are some sites in the south that also remain closed. The Mississippi River is returning to normal levels. The boat dock has been installed. There is no designated swimming area at the park. Anglers were reporting walleyes biting this past weekend. Some success was had with pan fish too. The following flowers have been seen around the park: sage, goats beard, puccoon, bouncing bet, spiderwort, purple cone flower, Canada anemone, cinquefoil, daisy flee bane, tick-trefoil, fringed loosestrife, day lily, milkweed, sorrel, moneywort and brown eyed susans. Turtles can be found throughout the park laying their eggs. Please travel the roads with care to avoid hitting them. The holes you see with white shells around them were former turtle nests that have been dug up by predators.
Perrot State Park - Hiking trails are open and in good condition. The Trempealeau River is finally back to more typical levels and fishing continues to be slow. Paddling around the bay is an absolute treat as boats are escorted by kingfishers and watched over by bald eagles. Pelicans soar overhead in lazy circles as turtles and baby leopard frogs bask on shorelines and overhanging trees. Along the canoe trail, buttonbush is in full bloom, along with arrowhead, Joe-pye weed and common milkweed. Prairies are spectacular, with butterflyweed, coneflowers, blazing star, milkweeds, wild bergamot and more blooming. Forest are filled with a colorful variety of fungus, tick-trefoil and Indian pipe. Gnat numbers are finally starting to decrease, but campers are still encouraged to bring along their vanilla. Mosquitoes are rapidly taking their place. Bird sightings around the park include: eagles, vultures, and pelicans soaring overhead while the call of towhees fills the forests. Baby kingbirds flit clumsily in open areas.
Great River State Trail - The trails are in good condition and the bridges have been repaired. Monarda and milkweeds fill the air with heavenly scents as monarch butterflies finally lay eggs. Hot days are forgotten as the canopy of the trail shades riders.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – Canada geese goslings are quite numerous this year and are growing quickly. The adults are molting. The whitetail fawns are making an appearance, and the first batch of young gray and red squirrels are out on their own. The fireflies, mayflies, and monarch butterflies have arrived. Many varieties of dragonflies have shown up in great abundance. Birds we have been seeing or hearing include: bald eagles, kingfishers, scarlet tanagers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, red polls, robins, mallard and bufflehead ducks, mourning doves, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, barred and great horned owls. Miterwort, spring beauty, dog violet, marsh marigolds, wild columbine, hepaticas, bellwort, and the false rue anemones are in bloom.
Chippewa River State Trail – Black-capped raspberries are ripe in places along the trail in Eau Claire. More are ripening.